He paused and looked deliberately around to assure himself that there was no one within hearing and, satisfied, went on with quick earnestness.

'Spain is on the brink of war with us. It may break out at any time. That will be the best opportunity. But even if it docs not, I shall go ahead anyway, as soon as my plans arc ready.'

'Plans for what?' she said slowly. 'I don't understand you'

'To conquer Mexico,' he answered, as blandly as though he was saying, 'To take a cup of tea.'

She gazed at him appalled; then she thought she understood. 'You mean that the Government will send you at the head of expeditionary forces, that you will try to seize Mexico for the United States?'

'I mean nothing of the sort. The United States has more than enough land already. I mean to conquer Mexico for us, you and me—and Gampy.'

'But that's fantastic, impossible!' she cried. Her heart beat fast, and again she felt fear.

'It is neither,' he said calmly. 'Already I have negotiated with England through Anthony Merry; they will give us ships. And I have also negotiated with Spain through Casa Yrujo. Spain naturally knows nothing of my interest in Mexico; they are enticed by the thought of regaining their lost Louisiana. Spain's enmity can be used to advantage'. Spain, England, Mexico. Concepts so tremendous as to be overwhelming, and yet he tossed them at her on that quiet porch with the casual deftness of a juggler pitching colored balls.

He watched her struggling to hide her dismay and smiled. 'You will accustom yourself to the idea. There will be plenty of time. I must proceed slowly and with utmost caution. I can do nothing but pave the way until my term expires. Then I shall set out at once on a preliminary survey. I plan to journey through the Western States and down the Mississippi to New Orleans, testing the temper of the country. New Orleans will, I think, provide the natural base for my operations: particularly as Wilkinson will be Governor of the Louisiana Territory. He and I understand each other very well. He is a reasonable man.'

' General Wilkinson!' she repeated, still more amazed. 'He will be a party to this project?' She remembered the Commander-in-Chief of the United States Army as a pompous, arrogant man, much concerned with his own importance.